On Tuesday, various media channels reported that BJP MP Yogi Adityanath said that those who oppose yoga have no right to live in India and should instead live in a dark room.

“People who are calling Surya Namaskar communal, I request them that at least during the day, the Sun lord never deprives anyone of its light based on any caste or creed. Even after that if they are trying to bring the sun under communal parameters, I laugh at their thinking. And I would request them to not even take in the sunlight, and should lock themselves in houses and dark places during the day,” he said.

Yogi Adityanath’s comments drew sharp criticism from none other than Robert Vadra. Vadra said, “Never been very keen on Yoga as an exercise regimen, but not averse to learn any form… I will surely not stay in a dark room or drown. I will stand tall and with my beliefs !!”

Earlier, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) had objected to the decision to make ‘Surya Namaskar’ and Yoga compulsory in schools (as per reports).

Though the Central government has constantly maintained that 21 June celebrations have nothing to do with religion, the AIMPLB also informed that they will discuss issues like attack on freedom to propagate one’s religion in a separate session and have plans to launch a campaign in this regard.